Location: Humjibre / Humjibre serves as the headquarters for GHEI’s work in Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai (BAB) District. Humjibre is a medium-sized village with a population around 4,500. It is located in the humid, sub-tropical Western Region of Ghana. It is the fourth largest village in the district, and is located approximately 3 hours by local transport from the nearest city, Kumasi.

Humjibre is fortunate enough to have a market, partial electric connection and one paved road. However, the neighboring communities often do not have these relative luxuries.

People / The majority of people living in Humjibre and the surrounding communities are members of the Sefwi (or Sehwi) ethnic group. There are approximately 282,000 Sefwis, predominantly resident in the south-west of Ghana and along the Ivorian border. The Sefwi, like the majority of the southern ethnic groups, belong to the Akan linguistic family. Like all families, there are as many differences as similarities amongst this family which translate into modes and objects of worship, chosen Sabbath days and traditional practices such as male circumcision, child naming and observance of separation of husband and wife during the woman’s menstrual period.

Like elsewhere in Sub-Saharan Africa, European colonialism had a huge effect on Sefwi culture which resulted in the breaking down of many of the taboos and animist beliefs. Today, the majority of people profess to believe in Christianity. However, it is clear that a number of the Animist beliefs have been incorporated into the practice of Christian worship. There are eleven identified congregations. Although traditionally Friday was the day of rest, most families now set aside Sunday to praise their God. The communal experience of religious service is a very important part of Ghanaian society and each one of the places of worship, from a clearing in the bamboo to the freshly painted Catholic church on the brow of the hill, regularly comes alive with song and dance as the people of Humjibre rejoice in life and the company of each other.